CHAPTER LXXVIII:Two Of Hearts, And Seven Of Spades.

Olivia, Seth, Adam, and Mino had all left for the dining hall to give our orders for food. Penny was still going through Joseph's journal. She had been reading for what felt like two hours, I couldn't tell really, all I knew is that my legs were numb. Penny sat up and smiled. She looked at the journal and took a double take.

"A frozen wasteland in Alaska, the temple is covered in snow and frozen in ice. I broke through the roof and found several demigods dead and forgotten, the temple was called 'The Temple to The Owl Goddess'. I'm surprised I hadn't found it sooner but, as I was looking for it, an energy called me to it. It was surreal, like something from a dream, then I had a five foot fall onto snow and saw Lady Athena." Penny said reading from the book.

I thought for a moment, and asked, "He found it on accident, or rather because of Athena?"

Penny nodded in response. I went downstairs into the lower library and grabbed the book I was reading over with Seth. I looked up the lost temples to find the temple, but I only found one that matched the description. The Temple of Ra, The Egyptian creation, and sun, god. I assumed it was the same temple, but someone mistranslated the Greek horribly.

I went back upstairs to Penny and showed her. "A temple to Ra? Did someone mistranslate it that bad?" Penny asked looking at the page.

"They saw bird and god, then they just assumed I guess." I answered.

We went over the temple location and the journal and were certain this was the right temple. We continued doing our research, and that's when the alarm went off. I looked out the windows, each of which had an arch style pattern, to see Athena's hidden legion running towards the gates.

"Mary! Mary! Morpheus is here!" Adam yelled running up the stairs.

Adam had mine and Penny's weapons in a box, he set them down and I got my weapons on quickly. I hurried downstairs and put my hand on my sword. All of the centurions inside were locking the building down, and that's when I saw a man, in Italian style clothing from the 15th century, commanding the forces. The man wore a nice white shirt, under a dark purple vest, and black pants with a sword belt. He had an Italian style rapier at his side, with a small dagger tucked in his black leather boot, and wore gloves guarded with metal segments on his knuckles.

"Those forces do not get through that gate! If they do then you're all sleeping with the guard dogs! Now hurry!" The man shouted, I could head a slight Italian accent edging his voice.

"Yes Santoro!" A group of centurions yelled in unison running past.

Santoro drew his raiper and walked into the dining room. I followed him quickly to see a few Triones standing guard with lances and shields. My group was getting geared up and ready for a fight.

"Miss Eva, we don't need help from Greeks who can't even stay loyal to one god." Santoro said.

"They're gearing up to leave, I'm sending them over to Canada. You'll be going with them to help guide them to Alaska, then, and only then, will you return. Am I understood, Cristiano Santoro?" Eva ordered.

Santoro looked like he wanted to argue with every fiber of his being, but all that came out of his mouth was, "Yes, Nonna."

Everyone looked at them. "Did he just say grandmother?" Penny asked.

Santoro glared at her before sheathing his raiper, "Yes, I descend from the Moretti family. Now let's go Idioti." His golden flecked hazel eyes, which matched his gelled back chestnut hair, showed nothing but anger.

Penny stepped forward in his direction and immediately got a raiper to her throat. Santoro had immediately drew his sword and was ready to fight. Eva Rossi's eyes and hair glowed like a second sun with a golden hue.

"Cristiano Moretti Santoro!" Eva yelled shaking the house.

Adam laughed under his breath, "His first and middle name are both from The First Roman."

Olivia smacked Adam on the back of the head shutting him up. Eva pulled Santoro away and they began talking in hushed tones. I could tell that whatever they were talking about, it was not a happy conversation. I sat down and grabbed a never ending water bottle on the table, I poured out a glass of water and the bottle refilled immediately. I drank some water and felt a small burst of energy, damn enchanted water.

Santoro walked in looking defeated, with his sword sheathed at his side. He waved for us to move out, and walked towards the back door. Santoro moved his hand swiftly and opened the door. The whole adventuring group followed him through the door, outside the estate walls.

"Alright, we're heading along The Path of La Volpe. Or The Path of The Fox for those who don't speak Italian." Santoro said, clearly annoyed.

Santoro walked onto a beaten dirt path. We all followed him and before I knew it, the scene around us had changed. We were in a cave surrounded by precious gems and fox banners. The path was clearly enchanted, but if it was sun or moon magic I couldn't tell. We walked along the path taking the only route we could.

"Santoro? What should we expect on this path?" I asked.

"Trials from Trivia, who is remaining semi-neutral in this war. You must trust the Lady of Paths, or you will become lost to the trail." Santoro answered.

Within the next few steps I had turned around to see Adam had disappeared. I went to ask Santoro a question, but he was gone as well.

"Guys?!" I yelled looking around to hear nothing but an echo in response, everyone was gone.

I braced my nerves and took a deep breath. I continued through The Path of La Volpe, and drew my sword. The sword reflected the light in the cave in a beautiful array of colors. Sapphire blue, Emerald green, Ruby red, and Amber yellow bounced off my blade in a shining rainbow. Ah great, I thought to myself, a rainbow of death. I heard water in the cave as I made my way towards a bright light that overtook everything. When I had stepped in I saw an open, Ancient Greek style, theatre with two figures on stage. A woman shrouded in shade holding a torch, Hecate, and a little teenage girl next to her dressed like Persephone.

"Welcome honored guest! I've been waiting for you!" Hecate yelled, her echo taking over the theatre.

I looked around and saw that the only exit was through her and the mini goddess. I stepped down and took a seat, where another Hecate gave me a drink and walked away. I weighed my options and realized playing it out was the best choice, even if the cards dealt was a two and a seven off suit.